Fez Authorities Intensify Investigation into Building Collapse
In the early hours of Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the regional judicial police in Fez initiated a new round of in-depth investigations into the tragic collapse of two residential buildings in the Al-Mustaqbal neighborhood of the urban area of Messira. This incident, which shocked public opinion in December of the previous year, has compelled authorities to interview several local officials, engineers, and public notaries once again as part of their efforts to complete the necessary investigations surrounding the disaster.
According to reliable sources, the public prosecutor has instructed investigators to broaden the scope of their inquiry and intensify questioning of those involved, following preliminary investigations that had previously taken place. This decision comes in light of new findings gathered during this phase, with the potential for some suspects to be placed under judicial detention, aiming for their eventual presentation before the courts and clarification of legal responsibilities.
This latest development aligns with a judicial process that commenced immediately after the incident. Following the collapse on December 9, 2025, which resulted in the tragic death of 22 individuals, including women and children, and left 16 others injured to varying degrees, authorities acted swiftly. A decision was made to prevent several suspects from leaving the national territory as of December 10, 2025. Investigations have persisted for months due to the complexity of the case, intertwined responsibilities, and the abundance of administrative and technical documents requiring thorough examination.
Background of the Incident and Ongoing Administrative Investigations
The tragic event unfolded on the night of December 9, 2025, when two adjacent buildings in the Al-Mustaqbal neighborhood of Bensouda collapsed. One of these buildings was vacant while the other was hosting a 'Aqiqah' celebration, leading to the unfortunate loss of life and numerous injuries. To further investigate the structural reasons behind the collapse, authorities have commissioned an expert office to conduct a comprehensive technical assessment. This examination aims to identify the structural deficiencies that contributed to the collapse and detect any potential irregularities in urban planning and construction processes.
It is worth noting that the collapsed buildings were constructed in 2006 as part of the 'Fez Without Slums' program, which aimed to resettle residents of the Ain Soumen area through a self-construction mechanism. This adds further complexity to the case, emphasizing the need for stringent quality control over construction practices and oversight of resettlement projects.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
